APRIL 21 2023 CLIMATE CHANGE As a current out-of-state freshman, when I told someone I would attend the University of Michigan, people often had the same recurring advice for me: "Get ready for the brutal Michigan winters.” These slightly ominous remarks caused me to anticipate far more intense winters than what I was used to in New York. I assumed Michigan winters would be endless blizzarding with unbearably frigid temperatures, perpetual iciness and bone-chilling winds. During the fall in Michigan, I mentally and physically prepared myself for the impending winter; I even went shopping for snow necessities like thick gloves, snow pants and snow boots. Anytime the temperature dropped below 40 or 30 degrees Fahrenheit, I would think the infamous Michigan winter had finally arrived and prepared myself for an onslaught of various severe weather characteristics. But my snow boots and snow pants have remained virtually untouched, collecting dust in my closet, only being worn a handful of times. With the cold season nearing its end, I would say it has been a surprisingly mild winter. I thought my experience with the Michigan winter was simply because it was not as bad as I expected, already having dealt with cold winters all my life. However, after talking to some of The firsthand accounts of Michigan GIGI BYLINKSY U-M student contributor my fellow students, I realized this strange phenomenon is not due to my own personal experience with winter but rather a reflection of the changing climate. Max Sharnas, class of ‘26, a life-long Michigan resident and current U-M student, agreed that “this year the winter has been milder. There is usually a long stretch in the winter where there is a lot of snow on the ground, for a month straight or more. Now, we’ve only had a few storms and the snow melts quickly.” When talking with Zach Elmouchi class of ‘26, also a life-long Michigan resident and current U-M student, he expressed his concern that this mild winter “has something to do with climate change, and it’s a pressing problem right now. If it continues on it could really affect the future generations and the world.” students about the changing winters align with the data provided by the state of Michigan. When reviewing decades of temperature data provided by the National Weather Service, meteorologists concluded that Michigan winters, on average, have grown warmer and less snowy. Climatologists at the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments predict that this weather trend will continue, with average winter temperatures rising and, instead of having the typical snowstorm, having rain or freezing rain. These weather assessments portray a scary uncertainty for the changing climate of Michigan and call attention to the immediate effects of climate change. It is estimated that the average yearly temperature in Michigan, since 1900, has risen by two to three degrees Fahrenheit. Although this may seem like a small number, famous Michigan ecosystems are seeing real-time changes due to global warming. Since the 1970s, the ice coverage in the Great Lakes has dropped by 63%. In January 2021, the Great Lakes reached a “new low ice cover record.” Moreover, the rising water temperatures will allow some fish like bass, that thrive in the warm water, to increase in population while decreasing the availability of trout in the Great Lakes. This GROUNDCOVER NEWS Will winter be an artifact for future generations? poses risk to the natural food chain. Climate change also poses numerous health risks; higher temperatures allow the formation of ground-level ozone, a type of pollutant that is known for perpetuating severe health and heart problems. Additionally, extremely high temperatures pose numerous health risks to individuals: dehydration, heat stroke and strain to cardiovascular and nervous systems. Not to mention long-frozen pathogens that are being released as the tundra thaws. Climate change has been typically portrayed as an issue that will have more drastic impacts on the future generation than us, which is true. But as exemplified by the changing Michigan climate, no living thing is exempt from the environmental impacts that are happening right now. It is hard to grapple with the reality that something as reliable and constant as the weather and the changing seasons may present themselves very differently from what we historically consider. However, being informed about these seasonal changes can provide an opportunity for the Michigan government and residents alike to take further action in response to the changing climate. Hopefully, future generations of Michiganders will be able to put their winter clothes to use. 11 WEATHER from last page and global change. Those naysayers among the scientific community may be cherry-picking. They accept the notion that high temperatures which mix with atmospheric moisture could lead to extreme and costly weather events. But they are still reluctant to state a definite link. Writing for the online magazine, GIZMODO, Angely Mercado brought us the viewpoints of some climate scientists on the link between tornadoes and climate change, including the views of meteorologist and Northern Illinois Professor, Walker Ashley. Ashley believes that “there is plenty of evidence that global warming fuels extreme weather…” However, he said that some climate scientists are unsure how climate change influences individual tornadoes. Why? Dr. Ashley said because tornadoes are considered small weather events. He continued, “They begin and end within a relatively short time.” On December 14, 2021, PBS NewsHour discussed deadly tornado outbreaks in the U.S. PBS reporter John Yang answered Judy Woodruff’s question about the link between climate change and tornadoes. “Judy, while scientists are confident that climate is driving an increase in some natural disasters, in the case of tornadoes, they say it’s a bit trickier," Yang said. The link is unclear. We must have a life-boat ethic on climate change/global warming issues. All hands must be on deck. All communities must be engaged. We are fighting to save our lives, sustain and preserve the planet for future generations, and do something to minimize the cost, severity and gravity of these scary and of course, deadly extreme weather events. Good luck to us in America! Good luck to the wider world!! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS 10% OFF LUNCH JOIN US FOR 122 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor • oldtownaa.com • (734) 662-9291 Dine in only, offer good Mon - Sat 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, excludes alcohol. Expires 7/1/23
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